How to have an insanely awesome trip to Victoria in 5 easy steps

Victoria is a travel destination with so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to begin. If you want to experience the best, look no further than The Butchart Gardens.Consistently rated among the world’s most beautiful garden attractions, The Butchar

There are cruises, and then there are Ultra-Luxury Cruises

Knowing that, which one would you like to go on? Us too.Seabourn is an ultra-luxury cruise-line headquartered right here in Seattle. Unlike your typical cruise, their ships are smaller, have fewer passengers, more luxurious cabins, and more crew members pe

3 Unique Adventures You Can Only Have in Juneau, Alaska

There’s plenty for low-key, run-of-the-mill visitors to see in Juneau, but you might want more than tram rides and food tours: you might be seeking the ultimate adventure. In that case, break out your hiking boots and keep reading for three awesome adventu

One-Tank Trips: 4 fabulous getaways + 1 chance to win big

Washington is a perfect place to take a summer road trip. Between the fresh air, incredible views and fascinating destinations, hitting the road in Washington offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and escape.This summer, your Western Washington Hond

5 Hidden Gems to Enjoy at Suncadia This Summer

Suncadia resort has plenty of well-known attractions, but this dreamy getaway also has lots of hidden gems that fewer people know about. Book a trip to get away from it all and enjoy these five unexpected perks.1. Complimentary Disc GolfPlaying through the

We're headed to Austin. Any recs?

Bloggers from Seattle and Austin are switching places this week to experience live in a different city for a couple days!Delta, Visit Seattle and Visit Austin have teamed up for this little switcheroo, which coincides nicely with Delta's new nonstop servic

5 Things to do on San Juan Island Without a Car

Have you ever wanted to get away from it all and escape to an island with fresh air and ocean views?San Juan Island offers those things and more. With temperatures around 70 degrees in the summer, the quaint town of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island overal

Refined Rewind: Remember 'Northern Exposure'?

When you talk about televisions hows filmed in Washington state, Grey's Anatomy and Twin Peaks are always at the top. But there's another series our Refined crew is still obsessed with. Remember Northern Exposure?It was filmed in Roslyn for five seasons in

Next time you're in Tacoma, head to these quirky spots

On a good day, Tacoma is just a 40 minute drive down from Seattle. A straight shot on I-5, there's no denying Tacoma holds a completely different vibe than its sister city Seattle. Downtown, you'll find the rapidly expanding University of Washington Tacoma

Luxury, Excitement and Pizza! Here's What's New at Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino, just 30 minutes north of Seattle, is a wonderfully distinctive gaming, dining and entertainment destination in Washington state with a complete renovation of its hotel rooms recently completed and a new restaurant on the way. Here’s

Seattle is 6th most popular destination for Memorial Day weekend

I gotta be honest with you - I am practically counting down the minutes until Memorial Day weekend, because mama NEEDS a vacay. But – enough about me, here’s the real reason I have you here:AAA projected that 39.3 million Americans will be jet settin’ and

A day trip out to Monroe's Reptile Zoo

The most wonderful ways to whale watch in the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to see orca whales in the wild. The waters surrounding the islands are home base to several orca family groups, most notably the salmon-eating “Southern Resident” J, K and L pods as well as marin

Spokane is your weekend destination

Seattlelites searching for sun are sure to find it in Spokane. With more than 171 sunny days a year, Spokane might be just the weekend destination to soak up some sun, explore outdoor wonders and snag an amazing cup of coffee.Washington’s second-largest me

6 Things You HAVE to do When You Visit Alaska

Did you know that takes less than two hours to fly from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska? If you’re looking to shake things up and discover something new, there’s no better place to go.

What’s Hot for Summer? The 7 Best Things to do at Suncadia

Summer is truly the season of adventure. The pace of things seems to let up a bit, and we finally find the time to do the things we spend the rest of the year dreaming about. If you’re ready for your summer adventure, head to Suncadia for all kinds of fun.

5 Awesome Things to Do in the San Juan Islands

Did you hear that? It’s the voice of vacation beckoning you to take a break and have some fun! Take a short flight to the San Juan Islands and don’t miss these five highlights for the ultimate getaway.1. Visit Lime Kiln State ParkHailed as one of the best

Spend 36 glorious hours in the Yakima Valley

If you haven’t been to Yakima recently then prepare to be very pleasantly surprised. The valley has really upped its game, with great new restaurants and all manner of stylish new wineries and tasting rooms opening. Go for Spring Barrel weekend, where the

Photos: Visiting Oregon's Painted Hills is like traveling to another galaxy

5 Ways to Revitalize, Energize + Exercise at Suncadia Wellness Month

It’s so easy to let life get out of balance. Between work, school, chores, family obligations and the rest of our daily concerns, many of us don’t take the time to focus on our own wellness.May is Wellness Month at Suncadia Resort, a gorgeous mountain esca

Olympia is the weekend getaway you're missing out on

 Just 60 minutes to the south of Seattle is a fun, funky town known better for its’ legislation work than its’ weekend getaway opportunities. Olympia is a destination not to be missed though. My family has zoomed past it many times on our way to Portland,

In Defense of Spokane: A Local's Guide

Did you catch that Guardian article that basically said Gonzaga's basketball team was the last gasping hope in a struggling city's existence? If not, don't even bother. The writer later issued an apology for his heavy-handed hot take on Spokane and its peo

Five Reasons Why You Need to be at the Coast for Savor Seabrook Wine & Seafood Festival

If there’s anything that can make fresh seafood even better, it’s good wine! Head to the award-winning resort town of Seabrook, on Washington’s Coast, May 6th for the 7th Annual Savor Seabrook Seafood & Wine Festival to sample the best of land and sea and

Seattle Via Chicago: 46 Hours Aboard The Empire Builder

Escape to Suncadia, A Pacific Northwesterner's Dream Getaway

This four season mountain resort community is just 80 short miles from downtown Seattle and includes endless opportunities for adventure, from hiking trails to water slides. Ready for your adventure? Visit picksuncadia.com to learn more. 

Let Someone Else do the Navigating for your Next Big Adventure

Spring has arrived, but the rain clouds have not subsided. That means it’s time to start planning your next tropical getaway! While the ‘great American road trip’ is still the most popular mode of travel, more and more travelers are choosing to climb aboar

Visit Suncadia for the Ultimate In-State Spring Break

Just because you’re aching to get away for a little while doesn’t mean you have to go far! Washington’s Suncadia resort is 80 easy miles from Seattle, but it has everything you need for a fabulous weekend trip or a relaxing week away. Here’s what you’ll fi

A Guide To Traveling With a Baby (and Still Having Fun): Part 5

 We know a lot of you are parents - and parents of young kids at that. One of the worst things our writer Kate Neidigh was told when she was pregnant was that she'd never travel again once baby was born. Well guess what - that doesn't fly with us! There ar

'Cheers' for hipsters exists...in Bellingham, WA

Bellingham is known as the home of Western Washington University. It has nine breweries! And get this, it also is the site of the oldest restaurant in the state. It's called the Horseshoe Cafe and Ranch Room, and as Refined discovered, there is a reason th

Exploring Fairhaven, WA: It's Small, but Mighty!

The historic Fairhaven district is just south of downtown Bellingham. And while it's just six square blocks, it's packed with character.There's a great variety of shops. And we've got a lot of artist shops, all independently owned. We've got a whole lot of

Yes, it's spring - but you can still find some last minute winter road trips

Today is officially the first day of spring! We made it, friends. Although a few sunny days have been sprinkled here and there in the past couple of weeks, we are hoping it's all uphill from here. Even though it's spring, you can still hit the slopes, or f

Do Your Weekend Right - On Whidbey Island

Tax refund not quite enough to get you on a plane to some exotic isle? Never fear, sailor – there’s a getaway island just a few miles north of here that won’t break the bank. Hear us out: it’s Whidbey Island. We know! We know! It’s not a far-flung beach wi

A Guide To Traveling With a Baby (and Still Having Fun): Part 4

 We know a lot of you are parents - and parents of young kids at that. One of the worst things our writer Kate Neidigh was told when she was pregnant was that she'd never travel again once baby was born. Well guess what - that doesn't fly with us! There ar

It's Not Too Late for Spring Break! 7 Fun Activities on the Tillamook Coast

You might recognize that you’re aching for a spring break at this point in the year, but what options do you have if you haven’t planned anything yet? Instead of binge-watching the days away, consider escaping the city by taking a quick trip to a convenien

Solve the Case of the Murdered Wookie in This Seaside Town

It’s no mystery why fans of who-dunnits head to the stunning seaside village of Langley, WA each year for a weekend of clues, corpses and crimes.The real question is - why had we never gone? So this year, we made it right and joined in the fun.   But first

We Had A Blast in Hawaii, and You Could Too

Seabrook's Daffodil Festival is the perfect way to welcome spring

Looking for a way to celebrate Spring’s arrival? Look no further – check out Seabrook’s Daffodil Festival for the ultimate celebration of spring, warm weather and all things Daffodils March 17-19. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find if you visit “Washingt

Hawaii Day 5: Learning the Hula

Refined's experience at Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa wouldn't be complete without learning the hula. We think Gaard might be ready now to join the performers in this weekend's KA WA'A - A Luau at Aulani.

Hawaii Day 4: Gettin' our sweat on!

Time is running out for your chance to win a dream Hawaiian vacation to Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa. All week, we've been showing you the highlights from our recent trip. It's great food and fun for the whole family. But I have to be honest, I didn't re

Hawaii Day 3: It's time for Happy Hour!

All week, we are taking Refined viewers on a Hawaiian adventure, with a chance for you to win a tropical trip for four to Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa. An Aulani getaway is a celebration of the spirit of Hawaii for the entire family, with great food, ama

Hawaii Day 2: The Art & Culture of Aulani

Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, is pretty amazing with great food, great entertainment and plenty of places to have fun and relax with the family. And, you don't have to look very far to find the magic of Hawaii's unique culture and wildlife. Go on a guid

Photos: Need a reason to get excited about Hawaii?

It's Twin Peaks Day: Grab a Slice of Pie and a Darn Fine Cup of Coffee

On February 24th, Laura Palmer was found dead in Twin Peaks, and a cult classic TV show was born.It's Twin Peaks Day and we can't think of a better way to celebrate than heading up to Twede's Cafe (a.k.a. Twin Peak's own Double R Diner) and ordering a slic

Must-Sees at the Village By the Sea: 4 Fun Finds in Langley, WA

Langley is just a quick ferry ride away from Seattle, but it has a vibe all its own. Ranked #5 on Coastal Living’s Happiest Seaside Towns, this hidden oasis is a great place to get away for the weekend and well worth a weeklong trip if you’ve got the time.

Listen Up! Here's How You Could Win a Hawaiian Family Vacation

It's one of our favorite times of the year - time to head to Aulani Resort and Spa! We know, we know - it's just rude of us to show you how much fun we're having in Hawaii when you're here in Seattle. Which is why....We're giving you the chance to head the

How to Plan the Best Spring Break Ever on the Tillamook Coast

Spring break isn’t far off, and most of us are already dreaming up fantastic adventures. If your ideal spring break includes quality family time, a relaxing atmosphere and plenty to do and see, Oregon’s Tillamook Coast is a sure bet. Here’s a rundown of th

A Look Inside Portland's Most Peculiar Museum

Welcome to The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum, Portland's home for all things peculiar, creepy and crawly.It's fun, it's funny, it's gross says co-owner Lisa Freeman.The Peculiarium is part oddity museum, part art gallery, part gift shop and totally

There's a One-of-a-Kind Camp and Lodging Experience in Westport

On the edge of town, outside of Westport lies LOGE at The Sands. This one-of-a-kind camp and lodging experience on the Washington Coast is scheduled to open this summer. The Loge is destined to be a new kind of outdoor recreational experience where surfers

A Tiny Northwest Town will FOREVER stay in the Twilight Spotlight

The Twilight Saga was a monster blockbuster, grossing more than $3.3 billion worldwide. Twilight tells the story of Bella Swan, a moody teen from Forks, Washington, who falls in love with a vampire named Edward Cullen. The hype actually started back in 200

The Best Things I Ate and Drank on Kauai

As a food writer, there’s pretty much nothing I love more about a vacation than getting to try new delicacies and drinks at my destination. I recently went to the Hawaiian island of Kauai for my best friend’s wedding and absolutely fell in love with the fr

The ultimate getaway for Valentine’s Day and beyond

Valentine’s Day is coming up and if you’re like most couples, you’re planning a romantic dinner kind of like the one you had last year. And the year before. And the year before. Instead of doing the same old thing, why not take a couple of days off and pla

Nashville’s Best Bites - and Seattle’s Best Imitations

You can’t beat the real thing, Coke told us in the ‘80s, and the Southern staple was right: especially when it comes to the foods of the South. After exploring Nashville mouth-first, I found unmatched levels of biscuit expertise, 911-levels of spice on fri

Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best)

Over the years, I’ve been to most of the Hawaiian Islands but my heart belongs to Maui. I loved the food and the hustle of Oahu but found Kauai to be too remote and laid-back. Maui falls in between with plenty to keep one busy but also allows for relaxatio

4 things about the Edgewater that have nothing to do with the Beatles

As a child, my Dad played the Beatles nonstop. By age 12, I knew the words to practically every song (parts of 'Eleanor Rigby' still get me sometimes), and when I studied abroad in London I went to Liverpool - count it - three times.Needless to say, I'm a

Christmas in Victoria is truly a sight to see

Photos: It's Tubing Season at the Summit at Snoqualmie!

It’s officially Tubing Season at the Summit at Snoqualmie! With more than a dozen groomed lanes, a covered conveyor belt to get you up the hill, inner tubes and everything you need, the Tubing Center is the perfect place to play in the snow. (Image: Josh

Inside Victoria Distillers

You've seen a lot from us lately about Victoria, B.C. Not only do we have a little crush on the beautiful city, we are enamored by it's versatility. How can a place that's so close, known for great tea and beautiful gardens also have a killer distillery sc

Victoria's Butchart Gardens go all out for the holiday season

On a recent trip to Victoria, we had to stop by the world famous Butchart Gardens to see what they were up to this holiday season. We weren't shocked to see the place all lit up!

You don't need to go to the U.K. to get great tea

Truly! We just came back from a trip to Victoria, B.C. where the 'Festive Afternoon Tea' at the Fairmont Empress Hotel blew our socks off. The Empress has been serving up afternoon tea since 1908, complete with Empress cakes, scones, pastries, clotted crea

Recipe: These might be the best holiday cookies we've tasted

We recently got back from a trip to Victora B.C.., where we had tea at the incredible Fairmont Empress Resort Victoria. And while the whole experience was wonderful (see above video), we walked away absolutely in love with their holiday cookies.You saw the

Photos: Here's what the 45-min flight to Victoria looks like

Charleston vs. Seattle: Coffee

On a recent trip to Charleston SC, we were tasked with exploring the city, restaurants, activity centers and views to put into a half-hour TV show. Tough life right? Well actually, it really is - because we could go on and on about the things we saw for mu

5 great places to shop tax-free in Portland

Here's the right way to Après Ski in Whistler

We know, we know - you don't think you can go to Whistler and really have a great time unless you ski or snowboard. We get it! It's what we've all been taught growing up in the PNW; Whistler is where the serious ski bums go. We are here to break. that. myt

A Lesson in Making the Perfect Pecan Pie

Yeah, Thanksgiving is over but why does that mean we have to wait another year for a great slice of pecan pie? In Charleston, S.C. there is no such thing as Pecan Pie season, and no one is more dedicated to the delicacy than Magnolias Restaurant.

There's a train wreck in the middle of this hike

Looking for a unique hike? Decades ago a train derailed by Whistler B.C. near what is now Function Junction. Seven train cars were left scattered next to the Cheakamus River. Locals have since transformed this mess into a wonderful work of art, an extraord

We found the most beautiful place in Whistler

Just take a look at the pictures and video and see if you don't agree?? We discovered this magic on a recent trip around the Whistler wilderness with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. CWA takes folks in a Jeep through the mountains, all the while giving them

Enter to win a VIP trip to Whistler

Seattle Refined is giving away an amazing Whistler trip for two with the help of our friends at 101.5 Santa FM! You can enter all week long between December 5th through December 9th. To enter, just watch Seattle Refined every day at 2 p.m. on KOMO4 to lear

Charleston Spotlight: A Walking Tour

Full Episode: Refined gets romantic in Charleston, SC

Today's episode comes to you from the most romantic city in America = Charleston, South Carolina.  At least that's what the people at TravelandLeisure.com tell us and who are we to argue...this place is beautiful. From the antebellum mansions and the horse

The Most Romantic Places in the Most Romantic City in America

"Travel and Leisure" named Charleston, SC as the Most Romantic City in the United States and after traveling there we’d have to agree. From romantic carriage rides to rooftop bars and beautiful Magnolia Plantation and Gardens we found our 5 Most Romanti

Charleston Spotlight: Southern Comfort at its Finest

Photos: This oyster battle in Whistler was epic

The Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational & Bloody Caesar Battle. Thousands have been, few have won - but tales have spread far and wide nonetheless. The best oyster shuckers and mixologists from all over come to Whistler for the final day of Cornucopi

Photos: This five course Japanese luncheon will make you swoon

Peak to Peak to Peak Dining: A lesson in high altitude cooking

As you may have seen earlier this week, we are in Whistler right now (November 2016) covering Cornucopia - the region's food and wine festival. We were interested to see the area something they are a little less known for.....i.e. food and drinks, not snow

What has a Vodka Ice Room, Champagne Sabering & a $60k bottle of Cognac?

It's all in one place folks, and that place is Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler. As you may have seen earlier this week, we are in Whistler right now (November 2016) covering Cornucopia - the region's food and wine festival. We were interested to see the area f

Charleston vs. Seattle: Public Markets

Last week we were in Charleston, SC with our radio partner STAR 101.5 to celebrate their annual Vow Renewal ceremony, where they bring winning Seattle couples to fun destinations to renew their vows.This year it was the Most Romantic City in the U.S. - Cha

The Best Fine Dining in Whistler

Depending on who you are, when you visit Whistler all you may be interested in is grabbing a 1 a.m. slice of pizza after you've spent the day shredding some gnar.But Whistler has more to offer than that. Whistler has an honest to goodness fine dining estab

One woman & her dog recreate Steinbeck's ‘Travels with Charley’ itinerary

Recently, I was lucky enough to catch up with a very special dog to show him our city’s most dog-friendly sights and help him get some iconic Seattle shots for his Instagram feed.Inspired by John Steinbeck’s classic travelogue ‘Travels with Charley’, Brian

Here are the Instagram accounts to follow if you love fall hikes

I have to say, I am  a pretty hard sell on getting out and going on a hike. When I'm on what my friends consider a walk, about 90 percent of the time I am cursing them under my breath for bamboozling me into this secret workout.However, what I am a huge fa

Photos: A picture perfect carriage ride in Charleston

Charleston vs. Seattle: Oysters

We are in Charleston, SC this week with our radio partner STAR 101.5 to celebrate their annual Vow Renewal ceremony, where they bring winning Seattle couples to fun destinations to renew their vows. This year it's the Most Romantic City in the U.S. - Charl

Chelan Spotlight: The Drive from Seattle

Take a Haunted Road Trip around Western WA

Alright, people.  Back by popular demand , it’s road trip time. This summer we covered a Ghost Town Road Trip and it went bananas on the interwebs so we figured we should give the people what they want! Road trips – it gets the people going!As it is Hallow

Chelan Spotlight: Local Myth Pizza

New Delta Sky Club at Sea-Tac Airport is part lounge, part spa

Sea-Tac International Airport is now home to two Delta Sky Club lounges. The second Club is 21,000 square feet, and can seat 400+ people. The interior design pays homage to the Pacific Northwest with lots of wood and water features, and has six shower suit

Photos of Seattle then and now: 50's and 60's

A look back on some Seattle landmarks, "then and now." The original photos are courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives and vary anywhere from the 1950's to the 1970's.

Chelan Spotlight: KARMA Vineyards

Pack Up, Leave Now: The Hood Canal vacation you've been missing

I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty knowledgeable about the goings-on of this region. Being born and raised here, mixed with my wonderful job - gives me a pretty great landscape for knowing the who's, what's and where's of the Pacific Northwest.But I am a

Chelan Spotlight: Icicle Ridge Winery

A Seattle photographer's Visual Guide to the food & drink of Greece

The 10 Best Pumpkin Patches to explore this Fall

Last year, we rounded up the 9 best pumpkin patches to explore and this year, we are upping it to 10.  We've updated our list with this year's information and added a new pumpkin patch that is destined to become a favorite. So get ready to hunt for the per

A Caffeine Addict's Guide to Portland

Seattle versus Portland, Portland versus Seattle...we've heard it all. Inhabitants of one city usually turn their noses up to the other, but outsiders think we are basically the same city (does it annoy anyone else we're always clumped together)?? But at t

54 totally not photoshopped pics from a local photog's visit to Crete

Chelan Spotlight: Eagle Creek Winery

This Seattle Refined viewer just won a new Honda

Remember all those great One Tank Trips we took this summer with the help of Western Washington Honda Dealers? One lucky Seattle Refined viewer just won a three-year lease on a brand new Honda Civic!In case you missed it, let us refresh your memory.We bike